clearing the air...2 days ago · mara refinery maintenance superintendent jim anderson to the apcd...

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N O R T H E R N S A N T A B A R B A R A C O U N T Y ’ S N E W S A N D E N T E R T A I N M E N T W E E K L Y > O C T O B E R 2 2 - O C T O B E R 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 > V O L . 2 1 N O . 3 4 > W W W . S A N T A M A R I A S U N . C O M

NEWS ARTS EATSRideshare companies pump millions into Yes on 22 [8] Learn the ABCs of Tom’s Burgers in Lompoc [24] The art of activism in the county [18]

AT THE MOVIES

The Boys: Superheroes’ darkest deeds yet [22]

VISIT US ONLINE @santamariasun.com. SIGN UP for E-Newsletter(s) LIKE US on Facebook FOLLOW US on Instagram FOLLOW US on Twitter

Clearing the airNew APCD hearing board appointment stirs concern regarding

conflict of interest with Phillips 66 refinery issues [7]BY KASEY BUBNASH

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The board of directors for the SLO County Air Pollution

Control District (APCD) recently appointed a new member

to the APCD hearing board, which helps make rulings and

navigate air quality issues for the district and the agencies it

governs. But, in the name of clearing the air, one local APCD board

member called into question the appointment of Jim Anderson, who

works as a maintenance superintendent at the Phillips 66-owned

Santa Maria Refinery. Staff Writer Kasey Bubnash talked with APCD

board members regarding the potential for conflict of interest [7]. This week, you can also read about who’s behind support for

Proposition 22, which aims to further define rideshare drivers’

employment [8]; getting out the vote through artistic awareness [18]; and the legendary menu and strong community spirit at Tom’s Burgers in Lompoc [24].

Andrea Rooks

associate editor

OCTOBER 22 - OCTOBER 29, 2020 VOL. 21 NO. 34

DUST-UP? The newest member of the SLO County APCD works for the Santa Maria Refinery, raising questions about future conflicts of interest.

NEWSNews Briefs ........................................................4Political Watch ...................................................4Spotlight ...........................................................10

OPINIONWeb Poll ...........................................................12Modern World ...................................................12Canary ..............................................................13

EVENTS CALENDARHot Stuff ..........................................................14

ARTSArts Briefs ........................................................18

MOVIESReviews & Locations ........................................22

CLASSIFIEDS, HOME, AND REAL ESTATE .......................................26

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Congressional candidates Carbajal, Caldwell face off in virtual debate U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, the 24th Congressional District incumbent who represents San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, faced off against challenger Andy Caldwell in an Oct. 17 virtual debate, which aired on KEYT Channel 13. The opponents gave their takes on COVID-19 recovery, Diablo Canyon decommissioning, immigration, and police reform. Debate moderator Scott Hennessee kicked things off by asking about COVID-19 recovery plans. Hennessee quoted Caldwell, who has said he proposes to “isolate, serve, and protect the most vulnerable while pursuing herd immunity for those least susceptible.” However, Hennessee added, “the head of the World Health Organization [WHO] said, ‘allowing a dangerous virus that we don’t fully understand to run free is simply unethical.’” “Is that what you’re suggesting?” Hennessee asked Caldwell. Caldwell disputed Hennessee’s WHO quote, saying it was from an old report. “The problem here is we shut down parts of our economy,” Caldwell said. “We didn’t shut down Target, Costco, or Walmart, but we shut down mom-and-pop shops and stores, and that was a huge problem.” Hennessee clarified that the WHO quote was in fact from Oct. 12, five days before the debate, before turning the same question over to Carbajal. “We shouldn’t have to choose between our public health and our economy,” Carbajal said. “We need to listen to our public health professionals and our scientists … and all the guidance that they’ve been providing.” Continuing on the topic of the struggling economy, the candidates were asked how they plan to bring high-paying jobs to the Central Coast in the wake of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant closure in 2024 and 2025. Caldwell didn’t suggest any avenues for job creation, instead he emphasized his stance against the planned closure. “Diablo is not closing because it’s inefficient, or it’s old, or it’s unsafe. It’s closing because of rules and regulations that California put in,” Caldwell said. “There is no substitute for the base load that Diablo generates 24/7.” Carbajal said he supports offshore wind and other renewable energy options as ways to both make up for the energy losses and create jobs. “What we need to do is start looking at that facility as a way to be able to help,” Carbajal said. “We also need to look at making sure we’re investing in more renewable energy to create new employment sectors that will help us produce our energy and at the same time create good jobs that will help those workers that will be displaced.” Candidates also discuseed jobs and the labor force in the context of the local agriculture industry. With a White House administration that threatens to increase deportations and 60 percent of California’s agricultural workforce estimated to be undocumented, the candidates were asked what they would do for the Central Coast’s farmworkers. Carbajal pointed to his co-sponsorship of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill that would “provide a legal path for farmworkers and their families, thereby also creating a sustainable labor force for agriculture.” “I’ve been working to advocate to move that forward, but with this administration, we’ve had no success,” he said. Caldwell pointed to his organization, the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business (COLAB), and campaign contributions from local farming families as “proof positive” that he is supported by the farming community. However,

he didn’t specify what he would do for the farmworkers employed by these farms. The candidates were asked to describe the nation’s problem with police brutality and how they each propose to address the issue. Carbajal said that the death of George Floyd and others at the hands of the police “reminds us that we really need to bring about police reforms.” “That’s why I supported the Justice in Policing Act that would bring about sensible reforms to law enforcement throughout the country,” he continued. Caldwell said that while he was “shocked at the treatment of George Floyd,” he was “equally shocked by cops getting murdered, police stations being firebombed, and the like.” Caldwell asserted that Carbajal supports defunding the police, to which Carbajal responded, “I am not for defunding the police, I am for moving forward reforms.” In his closing statement, Carbajal emphasized his commitment to building on the Affordable Care Act, protecting a woman’s right to choose, stopping future oil drilling in the region, and pushing through more federal economic stimulus. Caldwell closed by saying, “I’ve been working for the general public and taxpayers and small businesses my entire adult life. I want to continue that in Congress.”

—Malea Martin

PETA protests Solvang Trolley, owners blame City Council member The Solvang Trolley and Carriage Company is again at odds with City Council member Chris Djernaes, as the business’s owners claim Djernaes is the reason PETA protested outside their business on Oct. 10. Protesters stood outside of the Solvang Trolley on Copenhagen Drive, speaking into a megaphone and holding signs that read “Honor Hazel with Ban on Horse-Drawn Carriages!” The Orona family claims that the protests caused them to cease trolley rides that day. During the Oct. 12 Solvang City Council meeting, Solvang Trolley co-owners Lorena and Hector and their son Sal Jr. Orona alleged that PETA was contacted by the owner of Esko Esko, a local gift apparel and accessory store. Sal Jr. posted a video recording on YouTube of Djernaes speaking with the PETA protesters that Saturday. Most of the video’s audio is muffled by music and other nearby sounds, but it’s clear that Djernaes asks protesters who they were contacted by or who supports them. An unidentified protester says they have a contact with a location in Solvang, but they don’t have his name.

Djernaes asks if it’s Esko, and the protester says “probably.” Esko Esko owner Esko K.T. Lama responded to the allegations during public comment, saying he’s a local business owner and it’s very normal for him to talk to people who are in town or in front of his store because he wants to know what’s happening in town. “I have no control over PETA. I did not invite PETA people. Yes, I spoke to them but I don’t think I need a permit, to speak to PETA people, from others,” Lama said. The Orona family claims Djernaes has ties to the Oct. 10 protest because he is friends with Lama. “I’m tired of worrying about the harassment instigated by Mr. Djerneas, every time I come to work. You see a business but you don’t see all the work behind us,” Lorena said. Community members and Solvang Trolley owners clashed with the council member in July during the business’s one-year license renewal. On Oct. 12, several public commenters called for the council to “take action” against Councilmember Djernaes. Solvang resident Linda Palmer said she was appalled that a city official did not recognize the impact the protesters have on businesses. “The protesters were walking up and down the sidewalk in Copenhagen in front of the businesses and several times blocked access to a business simply by their presence and the large signs,” Palmer said. “[Djernaes] can support PETA if he wants, but he cannot do it as an official of this city, so I call upon him to immediately resign if he’s going to damage Solvang’s image. At the very least I suggest the City Council censure him and disqualify him from all future discussions and votes on horse-drawn carriages.” Djernaes requested to respond to the allegations, saying “it’s not true,” but the council denied his request and continued with its meeting agenda—the council neither took action nor responded to the community’s claims. The Sun reached out to Djernaes for comment, but he did not respond before press time. PETA said it had planned to gather at the Solvang Visitor Center to continue the work of Hazel Mortensen, a Solvang resident and PETA supporter who recently died. According to a media release from the organization, Mortensen campaigned for years against “the city’s archaic” horse-drawn carriage and trolley rides. “PETA is calling on the city to honor Hazel Mortensen’s memory by outlawing an old-fashioned business that broke her heart and that harms horses as well as Solvang’s reputation,” PETA Senior Vice President of Campaigns Dan Mathews said in the statement.

—Karen Garcia

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Oct. 16 the release of more funds for the state’s fifth round of Homekey awards, a program that allows jurisdictions to purchase and rehabilitate housing and then convert it into permanent housing to address homelessness. According to the governor’s office, with the Oct. 16 awards, “the state has now provided all available Homekey funding to local jurisdictions, ahead of schedule. To date, more than $627 million has been awarded to 45 applicants and 71 projects totaling 4,646 units.” The Oct. 16 Homekey allocation gave $2.2 million to the Yurok Tribe, $15 million to the city of San Luis Obispo, and $13.5 million to the city of Los Angeles. The San Luis Obispo funding will be directed toward acquiring 122 units in Paso Robles to provide both emergency shelter and permanent units. The statement from the governor’s office added that the administration is working with the Legislature to make an additional $200 million available for Homekey. “When it comes to homelessness, no community is immune, no person is untouched, and while the issue is widely thought to affect only our urban centers, the truth is that it occurs in rural areas, small towns, and remote parts of our state,” Newsom said in the statement. “Through Homekey, we are making historic investments that will have lasting impacts in our big cities, but also our small towns and tribal communities. These investments are helping thousands of Californians vulnerable to COVID-19 exposure get access to permanent, supportive housing.”

• On Oct. 13, Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo) announced that he received an endorsement from Cal Fire Local 2881, an affiliate of the International Association of Firefighters. “This year’s fire season has already demonstrated why we need capable firefighters and support systems,” Cal Fire Local 2881 President Tim Edwards said in a press release from Cunningham’s office. “Jordan understands the importance of appropriate staffing and giving our firefighters the resources they need to protect our state.” On Oct. 15, Cunningham announced that he had received an endorsement from the Peace Officers Research Association of California, which represents more than 77,000 public safety professionals. “As a former prosecutor and a leader in the fight against human trafficking, Jordan brings a unique, pro-victims voice to the Legislature,” association President Brian Marvel said in a statement. Cunningham, the incumbent, is facing off against Dawn Addis, a Morro Bay City Council member, for the state Assembly this November. Addis has received endorsements from the California Nurses Association, the California Labor Federation, and the Tri-County Building and Construction Trades Council, to name a few. According to Cobalt News, California Nurses Association co-President Malinda Markowitz said in her announcement of Addis’ endorsement, “As a teacher and City Council member, Dawn Addis is connected to the communities she serves and understands the unique challenges that families are facing right now. We believe that Dawn has the experience and commitment to help navigate through this pandemic and keep Central Coast families safe.”

• State Sen. Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) wrote in an Oct. 15 Facebook post that Santa Barbara County is in the process of planning a countywide Recreation Master Plan, and she encouraged constituents to give their input through quick surveys. “Let them know what you need to play, run, bike, hike, camp, and get outdoors in your community by taking the quick survey,” Limón wrote. The survey is available in both English and Spanish, and there’s a separate survey available for children. More information and links to the survey can be found at countyofsb.org/parks/recmasterplan.sbc. m

Political Watch

S P O T L I G H T 1 0

BRIEFS

NEWS continued page 6

FILE PHOTO BY JAYSON MELLOM

PROTESTING HORSE RIDES: The Solvang Trolley and Carriage Company blames City Councilmember Chris Djernaes for PETA protestors that organized a protest of the business Oct. 10.

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County supervisors vote to target large gatherings with administrative fines After a COVID-19 update on Oct. 20 discussing outbreaks in Isla Vista, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors voted to pass an ordinance allowing the county to levy fines against large gatherings and businesses that don’t comply with public health orders. UC Santa Barbara issued an emergency notification on Oct. 16 stating that the university and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department had identified two separate clusters of positive COVID-19 cases in privately owned fraternity and sorority houses in Isla Vista. At the time of the notification, 13 individuals living in the separate houses had tested positive. During her Oct. 20 update to supervisors, county Public Health Director Dr. Van Do-Reynoso didn’t state the total number of positive cases in Isla Vista related to the outbreaks, but county COVID-19 status reports indicate that at least 24 more Isla Vista residents tested positive between Oct. 17 and 19. Do-Reynoso stated that the county and UCSB were collaborating to ramp up testing and education efforts in Isla Vista, as well as coordinating contact tracing in an effort to prevent the outbreaks from spreading. “It does seem likely that this outbreak is significant enough that it might affect our numbers,” 2nd District Supervisor Gregg Hart said, referring to the county’s red tier status on the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Although the county is still holding strong in the red tier category with 121 active cases, 12 hospitalized cases, and a positive case rate of 4.3 per 100,000 cases, the Isla Vista outbreaks won’t be reflected on the state’s Blueprint until Oct. 27. The college community figured prominently in the ordinance discussion that took place later in the supervisors’ meeting, with several UCSB students speaking in support of the proposed ordinance. “The majority of people here are following the rules, but the majority of people also want to have real consequences, not just more education,” said Jonathan Abboud, a Santa Barbara City College trustee and 10-year Isla Vista resident. “Just this month, we’ve had several reports of large parties, and the general feeling is that there have been no consequences.” Office of Emergency Management Director Kelly Hubbard told supervisors that the county needed a middle ground for enforcement—somewhere between education and what 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann called “the nuclear option,” criminal enforcement or fines of at least $1,000.

Administrative fines, Hubbard said, would be targeted at parties that exceed the number of people or households allowed under the public health order; businesses not complying with reopening guidelines, such as capacity limits or enforcement of protective measures; and large gatherings at beaches or parks. They would not be used for someone walking down the street without a mask on, she said. Penalties would range from $100 to $500, but Hubbard stated that education would still be the highest priority when it comes to enforcing public health orders. Both 4th District Supervisor Peter Adam and 5th District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino voted against the ordinance, with Adam calling the measure “draconian.” He pointed out that the county successfully moved to a more liberal reopening tier, reducing COVID-19 numbers, with the regulations that are already in place. “COVID-19 has become a pretext for the government health care complex to institute a command-and-control scheme on the people of Santa Barbara County and elsewhere,” Adam said. “We are about to take the extreme action of authorizing the fining of citizens for their failure to submit to an unelected health officer’s order. In my view, this is an abdication of our sacred duty of elected officials to be guardians of freedom.” Assistant County Executive Officer Barney Melekian told supervisors that enforcement of COVID-19 public health orders has been a balance between maintaining public health and individual liberty. Finding that balance, he said, “is proving to be a real line-walker for law enforcement.” The board majority—Hartmann, 1st District Supervisor Das Williams, and Hart—voted for the ordinance as a way to push the county into a more liberal reopening tier (Santa Barbara County is in the second out of four) safely. “I share some of the ideals that the supervisor [Adam] is articulating, but it leads me to a different course of action,” Williams said. “Freedoms are contingent on reducing transmission. … Whether we agree with the state framework or are against it, that is the reality.” The first reading of the ordinance passed 3-2, with a second reading slated for the board’s Nov. 10 meeting.

—Camillia Lanham

Propositions 20 and 25 would impact sentence lengths, DNA collection, parole, and cash bail system California voters will have the opportunity to vote on criminal justice reforms through two separate measures on the ballot this November: Propositions 20 and 25.

Proposition 20 would restrict access to parole for some nonviolent offenses, increase penalties for certain theft-related crimes, and add opportunities for DNA collection. The fiscal result would be higher law enforcement costs. Proponents argue that it closes a loophole allowing some offenders to be released early through parole programs, while opponents call it a prison spending scam that would result in cuts to rehabilitation and mental health funding. Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley is in favor of the measure. She said her main reasons for supporting it come down to the increased opportunities for DNA collection and the higher penalties for certain theft-related crimes. “Because of DNA being taken from somebody when they were arrested for a different offense, we were able to solve one of the worst rape cases we’ve ever had,” Dudley said. “So I’m very supportive of increasing the number of crimes, and therefore the number of people, whose DNA we do retrieve.” Dudley also supports the proposition because it would increase penalties for crimes like repeat shoplifting. She pointed out that if thieves stay under a certain amount of property value stolen, they don’t get arrested, “and they can do it day after day after day.” “That needs to be stopped, and I think this is a good way to stop it,” Dudley said. As is often the case with ballot measures, Proposition 20 lumps together these two changes that Dudley supports with another piece that is not directly related: restricting access to parole. While Dudley didn’t comment directly on whether or not she supports this part of the proposition, she did express dissatisfaction with the fact that these distinct issues were placed onto the same ballot measure. “I do wish they were separate, and I would consider each of them separately,” Dudley said. Curtis Child, legislative director at Disability Rights California, said his organization opposes Proposition 20. Disability Rights California is the nonprofit agency that recently brought a class-action lawsuit against the county. The lawsuit represented hundreds of incarcerated people at the Santa Barbara County Jail and sought to address what Disability Rights California called “dangerous and unconstitutional conditions at the jail.” A settlement was announced on July 17, 2020. Child said that the organization takes issue with the measure’s proposal to increase certain penalties and restrict parole for certain offenses. “Persons of color … are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and that intersects quite significantly with persons with disabilities,” Child said. “So to the extent that [the proposition] would incarcerate additional individuals, we think that … it would continue that disproportionate effect on persons

of color and persons with disabilities.” He continued that the proposed limitations on parole access would hinder the opportunity for individuals to get mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse treatment. “They’re going to be held longer and not be able to access important community-based services,” Child said. Similar to Dudley, Child said Disability Rights California believes the issue of DNA collection should have been considered separately from the issues of longer sentences and restricted parole opportunities. “We don’t have any particular position on the DNA side, but it does, I think, attempt to taint the other provisions in the initiative,” Child said. Both Dudley and Disability Rights California support Proposition 25—a referendum on the state’s bail reform law that passed in 2018—because it would take the financial ability to post bail out of the equation. “I think it makes the system more fair,” Dudley said. “Whenever people of low income are being discriminated against just because they have low income, in my mind that’s un-American.” Child concurred with the district attorney’s assessment. “If an individual has no income or very low income, they’re left to stand in pretrial in jail for extended periods of time,” he said. “Not only are they held longer in jail, but there’s significant costs of keeping them in jail that we think can be better redirected into treatment programs outside of the jails.” Some chapters of the NAACP oppose the proposition, as does the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs. They say that the cash bail system would be replaced by a more discriminatory system of risk assessment that could lead to increased racial profiling. “Prop. 25 uses computer algorithms to determine the fate of people accused of a crime,” Joe Coto, former Assembly member and chair of the Latino Caucus, states on stopprop25.com. “These algorithms have been proven to lead to more biased outcomes from Latinos and other people of color.” Child argued that the new risk assessment system would be just one tool that judges use to make their determination, and is not the sole determinant of someone’s release. “From our perspective, it’s important that it be understood that the courts make the determination on this, and not algorithms,” he said. “But to the extent that you use these tools—they’re evidence-based tools and have been proven to be making accurate assessments—there are flaws in those. We have the opportunity to improve and enhance those tools.” m

—Malea Martin

N E W S @ S A N T A M A R I A S U N . C O MN E W S

NEWS from page 4

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N E W S

BY KASEY BUBNASH

For the last two decades, Cal Poly environmental engineering professor Yarrow Nelson has served as a member of the SLO County Air Pollution Control District’s (APCD) hearing board, using his background in scientific research to help the district navigate air pollution conflicts and emergencies, including the ongoing dust mitigation efforts at the Oceano Dunes. But Nelson’s most recent three-year term expired at the end of July, and in a move surprising to many community members, the APCD board of directors voted 6-5 to oust Nelson at a meeting on Sept. 23, instead appointing Jim Anderson, a local engineer who works as a maintenance superintendent at the Phillips 66-owned Santa Maria Refinery. Although Anderson previously served on the hearing board as Nelson’s alternate, his recent appointment is stirring up questions and concerns about how he’ll handle matters related to Phillips 66, which is regulated by the APCD and contributes to pollution in SLO County. The APCD board of directors discussed that potential for a conflict of interest at length on Sept. 23, and it’s why Arroyo Grande City Councilmember and APCD board member Jimmy Paulding said he couldn’t support Anderson’s appointment. “It’s kind of a classic case of putting the fox in charge of guarding the henhouse from a perception standpoint,” Paulding told the Sun. The APCD hearing board is an independent, quasi-judicial body that decides on matters of conflict between the air district and the industries it regulates. The board consists of five members—an attorney practicing law, a registered professional engineer, a member of the medical profession, and two members of the general public—who help to resolve air pollution emergencies by adopting necessary rules and regulations, issuing variances from those regulations when needed, issuing abatement orders, and resolving permit disputes. Since Phillips 66 is regulated by the APCD, Paulding said it’s obvious that Anderson will have to refrain from voting on any future items involving his employer. But what’s more concerning, Paulding

said, is the budding potential for a land acquisition deal between Phillips 66 and State Parks. At a California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission meeting on Sept. 24, staff and commissioners discussed the state’s longtime goal of creating a southern entrance to the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, which staff said would provide direct access to the park’s off-highway riding areas while reducing traffic and other issues at the existing entrances. The idea of a southern entrance has been fairly abstract for years, staff said at the Sept. 24 meeting, but when Phillips 66 announced in August plans to close the Santa Maria Refinery in 2023, staff considered it a “game changer.” Situated on the Nipomo Mesa, the land currently holding the oil refinery could provide the necessary space for a future southern entrance, and staff said on Sept. 24 that State Parks plans to pursue acquisition of the soon-to-be freed-up land. That, Paulding said, means Anderson’s work

with Phillips 66, combined with Phillips 66’s potential ties to State Parks, could lead to conflicts of interest for Anderson in all APCD hearing board matters related to State Parks. Anderson could recuse himself from all votes related to State Parks, Paulding said, but considering the ongoing hearings regarding State Parks’ dust mitigation efforts at the Oceano Dunes, that would leave Anderson with little else to work on. Paulding also questioned the APCD board of directors’ conservative majority and their adamancy toward replacing Nelson with Anderson, who 4th District Supervisor Lynn Compton described as a “stellar individual” she’s known for years. Is the overarching goal, Paulding asked, to undermine ongoing dust mitigation efforts at the dunes by appointing “Lynn’s friend”? “We need somebody who can serve in an unbiased, unconflicted capacity,” Paulding said. But Anderson rejected that accusation, and told the Sun that it’s not his intention to disrupt

the APCD’s work reducing dust emissions in the Oceano Dunes. That’s a local issue that Anderson said he admittedly hasn’t actively followed, even as an alternate for the APCD hearing board. That’s part of the reason Anderson said he was actually shocked when the board voted to appoint him as the hearing board’s engineer member instead of Nelson, who had held the position since 2001. “That was a bit of surprise to me too,” Anderson told the Sun. Although Nelson did apply to fill the hearing board position for another term, some members of the board of directors at the Sept. 23 APCD meeting pointed out that the engineer position is, according to state law, supposed to be reserved for a registered professional engineer, unless the board is unable to get the votes to appoint someone with those qualifications. Nelson is a professor of environmental engineering and has a Ph.D. in that field, but he does not have a professional engineering license. California, he explained at the meeting, is the only state in the U.S. that doesn’t have an independent license for environmental engineers. To get licensed, he would have to get a civil engineering license, which Nelson said is not his area of expertise. Still, 5th District Supervisor Debbie Arnold, Supervisor Compton, and the rest of the board majority made it clear they wanted to appoint one of the three other applicants with professional engineering licenses, and eventually landed on Anderson because of his previous experience as the APCD alternate and his residency in SLO County (one application was from a resident of Newport Beach). “First of all, he’s been an alternate for many, many years,” Supervisor Compton told the Sun. “And nobody has raised any concerns in the past about his activity as an alternate. So he’s been trained, he’s sat through the meetings, he’s done that before.” She added that no members of the public called in to the meeting to comment on Anderson’s appointment. Plus, she said, Anderson is a registered engineer with a lot of experience with environmental regulations in SLO County. “He’s eminently qualified for this,” Compton said. And Anderson said he too is confident he can do the job. As a longtime alternate, he’s already been through the training required of new hearing board members and knows how the APCD operates. Throughout his lengthy career at the refinery, where he oversees all maintenance activities, he’s worked alongside the APCD to acquire various permits and gain compliance with environmental regulations. Throughout the ’90s, Anderson helped develop

the county’s Clean Air Plan, and made what he said were “great strides in the air quality countywide.” Anderson said he completely understands the concerns about his

work with Phillips 66, and if any matters related to Phillips 66 do come before the hearing board, “I would recuse myself.” He’s not, however, convinced that the potential land acquisition between State Parks and Phillips 66 would impede his ability to serve on the hearing board. The hearing board, he said, likely wouldn’t have any hand in land sales of any kind, and APCD Officer Gary Willey confirmed that wouldn’t be something the hearing board would be involved in. Anderson said he’s really just interested in serving the community he’s lived and worked in for decades now. “Although I work in South County, I live in North County,” he said at the Sept. 23 meeting, “and so I’ve got, you know, I feel I’ve got a stake in air quality here.” m

Staff Writer Kasey Bubnash can be reached at [email protected].

Potential for conflictPhillips 66 refinery employee appointed to APCD hearing board in 6-5 vote, leading to concerns about potential conflict of interest

N E W S @ S A N T A M A R I A S U N . C O M

PHILLPS 66: At a meeting on Sept. 23, the SLO County Air Pollution Control District board of directors voted 6-5 to appoint Santa Mara Refinery Maintenance Superintendent Jim Anderson to the APCD hearing board. The Phillips 66-owned refinery (pictured) is regulated by the APCD.

FILE PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

‘It’s kind of a classic case of putting the fox in charge of guarding the henhouse from a perception standpoint.’

—Jimmy Paulding, APCD board of directors member

8


BY KAREN GARCIA

Proposition 22 on this year’s California ballot reexamines whether gig workers for app-based transportation and delivery are independent contractors or if they’ll continue to be categorized as employees, which state law currently requires. The proposed law—created by Uber, Lyft, Instacart, and Doordash—would exempt app-based transportation and delivery companies from providing employee benefits to certain drivers and would reclassify drivers as independent contractors. According to campaign finance reports, as of Sept. 4, Uber, Lyft, Doordash, and Instacart have collectively poured more than $180 million into their initiative Yes on 22. Lyft and Uber driver Justin Vitcov, 42, said he believes the proposition also sets a dangerous precedent for the

potential future of the gig economy. He’s against the proposition. While the proposition is industry-specific and is only going before voters in California, he said that if it’s passed, other industries might want to benefit from the exemption. And the rideshare companies could place the initiative on the ballot in other states as well. “Under Proposition 22, we’re still defined as independent contractors, but it takes away our ability to negotiate the terms of that contract,” Vitcov said. Vitcov is a Santa Cruz native who started driving for Uber and Lyft in 2018 on the cusp of a career change. He needed a flexible job to cover his expenses while he returned to school. He said he focuses on commuter hours in Silicon Valley but takes pickup requests in Santa Cruz as well. “My goal is always to bring home about $30 to $40 an hour range. But of course when you subtract car expenses, gas, and whatnot, you’re of course taking home a lot less than that,” he said. On top of driving for the ridesharing apps, Vitcov also has a few independent contracting jobs that he works throughout the year to make ends meet. With the other independent contracting gigs, Vitcov said he meets with his direct employer when the contract is up at the end of the year and discusses its terms, including wages. “That doesn’t happen with Uber and

Lyft. You go online, sign up, and read their fine print contract agreement. And then as time goes on, you find out that they can change the rates that they’re paying you literally overnight,” he said. “Sometimes you log in to the app and the rates have changed.” Vitcov is a member of the Rideshare Drivers United, an organization working toward a fair, dignified, and sustainable rideshare industry. It’s advocating for voters to vote against the proposition. Proposition 22 comes a year after California passed Assembly Bill 5, which was designed to determine a worker’s status as an independent contractor or as an employee. Under the bill, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, companies were forced to provide their drivers with health insurance, paid time off, and other benefits. Under the Assembly bill, a worker is an employee rather than an

independent contractor unless the hiring business can prove otherwise through an ABC test. The test includes determining whether the person is free from the control and direction of the hiring

entity; whether the person performs work that is outside the usual course of the hiring entity’s business; and whether the person is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of the same nature as that involved in the work performed. Proponents of Proposition 22 include the Yes on 22 coalition. They say that a vote in favor will keep the job flexible with guaranteed hourly earnings and per-mile compensation, implement new public safety protections that

include background checks, and keep app-based services affordable for users. According to an independent study by the Berkeley Research Group, if Proposition 22 gets voter approval, rideshare companies will be on the

hook for providing their drivers with benefits, which could come at a cost to app users. The analysis, which Lyft shared via its website, found that rideshare service consumers could pay increases ranging from 25.9 percent to 100 percent in some markets—meaning a typical ride across town could cost between $19 and $30. The consulting firm also reported that drivers’ average hourly compensation could be reduced from $19.55 per hour to roughly $14.60 per hour under the employment model. The study also concluded that there could be “a reduction of the customer base served to only those persons residing in the most densely populated areas of the state—meaning little or no service to most Californians living in rural or suburban areas of the state.” m

Staff Writer Karen Garcia can be reached at [email protected].

Driving the voteRideshare companies dump $180 million into Yes on 22 campaign; drivers urge a no vote on the proposition

N E W S @ S A N T A M A R I A S U N . C O MN E W S

PHOTO COURTESY OF LYFT.COM

GIG WORKERS Rideshare companies are pushing for voter approval of Proposition 22 come Nov. 3 but some drivers say the law would take away their contract negotiation rights.

‘Under Proposition 22, we’re still defined as independent contractors, but it takes away our ability to negotiate the terms of that contract.’

—Justin Vitcov, Lyft and Uber driver

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BY MALEA MARTIN

Cristin Nightingale, owner of Sunkissed Tanning Salon in Santa Maria, had always wanted to own her own salon, “even since high school.” In mid 2019, she decided to take the leap. “It was a long process,” Nightingale recalled. “I had to find the spot, get the [tanning] beds, decorate it, and all that fun stuff.” But as the salon’s March grand opening date neared, Nightingale started to get nervous: More and more COVID-19 cases were cropping up across the state. “I already had the flyers made, it was already set in stone,” she said. “We had to open.” Sunkissed Tanning Salon opened on March 15, the day that Santa Barbara County reported its first case of COVID-19. Nightingale was forced to close her doors just four days later. Now, more than half a year later, personal care services like tanning salons are allowed to reopen, so long as the county they’re in stays in the red tier in the state’s reopening system. Santa Barbara County allowed salons to reopen indoors as of Sept. 30, and SLO County’s salons were given the go-ahead at the end of August. But Nightingale is still recovering from the losses. “It was kind of a roller coaster,” she said. “But I also feel that everything happens for a reason and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” On another part of the Central Coast, Haley Murphy—owner of OATS, Organic Airbrush Tanning Salon, with locations in San Luis Obispo and Orcutt—said it was a grueling few months. “Right before COVID I was just going into my busiest time of the year because wedding season was starting,” Murphy said. “So basically right when I was starting to get busy was right when we had to close down.” Murphy said the mortgage company for her SLO location gave her a three month deferment for payments, which helped her make it through. But at her Orcutt location, Murphy said she had to pay rent as she normally would. “Unemployment took almost two months to kick in,” she said. “I’m still dealing with the anxiety and the stress of it, but luckily I don’t need to close either one of my locations down.” In the face of these hardships, both Nightingale and Murphy are finding ways to stay positive and keep their businesses alive. “I’ve been the face here. I’ve been working 12-hour days, and I’m the only employee,” Nightingale said. “This is all me: I came up with the logo, the name. … I want people to know me.” Murphy said that in order to incorporate required sanitization procedures, she has to space out her appointments more now—but

this change came with a positive side effect. “At first I was kind of bummed about that,” she said. “But it’s actually kind of a fortunate thing because it allowed me to give a better service. I’m able to talk to my clients more and not take it so fast-paced.” As she reopens, Nightingale’s Sunkissed Tanning Salon offers both tanning beds and custom airbrushing. “I have a really cool bed named the Sunboard XTT … that allows only a small percentage of the UVB rays,” she said. Murphy said that OATS specializes in airbrushing, and she also offers lash extensions. “I wanted to offer a healthy, organic alternative to going out into the sun,” Murphy said. “My mom had skin cancer really bad, so I grew up with her telling me, ‘Don’t go in the sun.’ So spray tanning became huge for me.” As for adapting their business operations to the pandemic, both salon owners said that their services easily accommodate for mask wearing, social distancing, and sanitation. “I just maintain the cleanliness that I normally do,” Nightingale said. “I’ve always wiped down everything that anybody could touch.” Sunkissed Tanning Salon is located at 325 E. Betteravia, suite B-11, Santa Maria. Visit sunkissed.com for more info. OATS is located at 630 High St. in SLO and 3558 Skyway Dr., suite A1, in Orcutt. Find them online at oats630high.comand oatsorcutt.com, respectively.

Highlights • The SLO Food Bank has been selected as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year by California Association of Nonprofits and Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham (R-San Luis Obispo). The SLO Food Bank is one of more than a hundred other nonprofits that will be honored by their state senators and Assembly members for their contributions to the communities they serve. For more information about the organization or to learn how to get involved, visit slofoodbank.org or email [email protected]. • 3C-REN, the Tri-County Regional Energy Network, is transforming building efficiency and developing environmental resilience with new programs and learning opportunities each month. In recognition of October being National Energy Awareness Month, 3C-REN is offering business and industry-focused educational webinars on topics like CALGreen requirements, solar photovoltaics, carbon-free homes, and passive house retrofits. For a full list of educational and training programming, and to register for the events, head to 3c-ren.org/calendar. m

Staff Writer Malea Martin wrote this week’s Spotlight. Send tidbits to [email protected].

SPOTLIGHT

Get your tan onThings are looking sunnier for Central Coast tanning salon owners who are finally getting back to business

N E W S

COURTESY PHOTO BY CRISTIN NIGHTINGALE

SUNKISSED SKIN: Sunkissed Tanning Salon owner Cristin Nightingale opened her salon just days before state orders forced personal care services like hers to shut down. Now, she’s finally able to open her doors again.

11


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REX MATSUNAGA, 59, a resident of Santa Maria, CA passed away on 10/8/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

NORMA NELL SCHOLAR, 85, a resident of Santa Maria, CA passed away on 10/8/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

MARIE GORDON, 79, a resident of Los Osos, CA passed away on 10/8/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Blue Sky Cremation Service.

KELSIA RAY TYLER, 75, a resident of Nipomo, CA passed away on 10/9/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

MATTHEW G JEFFERS, 39 , passed away on 10/9/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Lady Family Mortuary.

DOROTHY JEAN LAMB, 76, passed away on 10/9/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Kuehl- Nicolay Funeral Home.

RITA FILECCI, 82, a resident of Arroyo Grande, CA passed away on 10/9/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home & Crematory.

SUSIE J PADUGANAN, 75, a resident of Orcutt, CA passed away on 10/10/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

GARY G. FOWLES, 79, a resident of Santa Maria, CA passed away on 10/10/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

BENJAMIN J. CASTRO, 44, a resident of Santa Maria CA passed away on 10/10/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

DELBERT WILLIAM BLANKS, 94, passed away on 10/10/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Los Osos Valley Mortuary and Memorial Park.

STANLEY DUANE SCHAFFER, 84, passed away on 10/11/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Marshall- Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel.

CARL RAMBEAU, 53, a resident of Paso Robles, CA passed away on 10/11/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Blue Sky Cremation Service.

MS. NATALIE N BRIDGES, 95, passed away on 10/12/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Los Osos Valley Mortuary and Memorial Park.

IRMA LOPEZ BARAHONA, 56, a resident of Santa Maria, CA passed away on 10/12/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home & Crematory.

ALVINA ZAL RUIZ, 90, a resident of Santa Maria, CA passed away on 10/12/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

MARY L BROWN, 86, a resident of Santa Maria, CA passed away on 10/12/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

LINDA PEREZ TIMPE, 71, a resident of Santa Maria, CA passed away on 10/13/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Dudley Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

KEITH RATHBONE, 87, a resident of Santa Maria, CA passed away on 10/13/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home & Crematory.

RUTHIE LAVADA APPLEGATE, 76, passed away on 10/13/2020. Arrangements are in the care of Kuehl- Nicolay Funeral Home.

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BY RON FINK

Ihave been following Lompoc politics for about 30 years; anytime an elected offi cial had a monetary interest or conducted business with the city, he/she would always recuse themselves from any discussion pertaining to their business interest. I have also been following City Council meetings closely for the last six years; Councilman Victor Vega hasn’t expressed a lot of interest in most items that come before the council. For example, the key issue in the district he represents is public safety; most of the violent crime in the city occurs in the area he represents. But he hasn’t been demanding more police patrols, reinstatement of gang/drug units, or even actively supporting recent discussions concerning the purchase of new fi re equipment or police body cameras. People run for offi ce to serve their communities, however some feel that helping themselves is part of the deal. Councilman Vega has expressed continued interest in the Homebuyers Assistance Program since he was elected to the City Council. Most would say that helping fi rst-time low- to medium-income homebuyers is a commendable goal; but there is more to this story. The Lompoc Homebuyer Assistance Program guidebook explains that the program is designed to “expand homeownership

opportunities in the community of Lompoc. The program helps bridge the homeownership affordability gap for local residents by providing 30-year deferred payment loans of up to $65,000 per household to assist fi rst-time lower income homebuyers in purchasing a home in the city.” When this program was fi rst discussed, some asked if Vega, who is a real estate agent, should recuse himself from the discussion because he could gain fi nancially when this program was implemented; the city attorney determined that since the program was open to “anyone,” he was not getting any benefi t that any citizen couldn’t get. This program has had only 22 applications, and of those only 11 loans/grants were funded, according to the city manager’s report on Oct. 9, 2020. A total of $658,395, or about $60,000

per applicant, has been used so far. Vega is the broker of record for some of those loans, and even though this program is “open to anyone,” he has a leg up on the competition. For example, from his chair on the council dais on May 1, 2018, the meeting minutes refl ect that “Councilmember Vega requested the funding (of the Homebuyers Assistance Program) be revised to increase the closing cost grants.” Then on May 7, 2019, Vega requested “a report on renewing the funding for the city’s fi rst-time homebuyer assistance program.” So, he appears to have been protecting his bottom line, something that “anyone” couldn’t do unless they were sitting in his council seat. He has also used his access to City Hall during the current closures due to COVID-19

to ask staff if specifi c loans had been approved and/or when they would be approved. Once again, “everyone” doesn’t have this in-person access, and it seems that he is using his elected position for his own personal benefi t. When he openly encourages the council to provide additional resources for closing fees from the in-lieu fund, it seems somewhat questionable what his motives really are: Is he trying to help people buy homes, or is he lining his own pockets with program cash?

While this may not be technically “illegal,” this sure looks a lot like a confl ict of interest on his part. Victor Vega is running for the mayor’s seat; we have to wonder what he will come up with next to line his pockets with public funds. ❍

Ron Fink writes to the Sun from Lompoc. Send your thoughts, comments, and opinionated letters to [email protected].

Vote yes on Prop. 15 if you care about our future I am very unsure about the future of my education right now. The only thing I do know is that we will need more funding for our schools and communities as we move past COVID-19. Proposition 15 is one of the only solutions that could help us get funding to get through this crisis. I don’t agree with Samantha Romero’s letter last week (“Vote against stupid Democratic proposals,” Oct. 15). Proposition 15 is a fair and balanced proposition that raises money for schools and vital services in our communities. Proposition 15 would even help our small businesses by getting rid of some taxes on things like equipment and computers. Personally, as a student at Santa Barbara High School, I see a lack of counselors and after-school programs, and damages around the school like potholes due to underfunding. Our schools need to hire more counselors. Counselors have more students than they can handle and don’t have enough time to talk to all of us about important things like grades, college opportunities, and other student support. As of 2019-20, there were 2,154 students enrolled in Santa Barbara High School, which means one counselor for every 400 students. That is not fair to me, my fellow peers, and school staff. And this is only made worse by the pandemic, virtual learning, and major uncertainty in all of our education systems. Proposition 15 has the potential to bring the city of Santa Barbara, students, and our community $1.4 million. I encourage you to support Proposition 15. With Proposition 15 in place, our schools and communities can move past this crisis and build a better future for all of us.

Luis Catalan,Santa Barbara High School junior

C A N A R Y 1 3

COMMENTARY

What part of the ballot do you care most about this election year?43% The presidency.36% Propositions and measures.21% Local city and county elections.0% I’m not voting.

14 Votes Vote online at www.santamariasun.com.

Online Poll Confl icted interest?Lompoc City Council member receives funds from city homebuyers loan program

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People run for offi ce to serve their communities, however some feel that helping themselves is part of the deal.

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I love nothing more than the drama of a good ol’ local government meeting. But what I can’t stand is when someone on a dais doesn’t get the opportunity to respond to an allegation. Solvang City Council meetings seem to be a place where the community gathers to pile on City Councilmember Chris Djernaes. The guy is already under recall on the November ballot, and now the council of his colleagues won’t allow him to respond to his detractors during meetings. The most recent super Solvang moment is brought to you by a PETA protest against the Solvang Trolley and Carriage Company due to its use of—gasp—horses! These people marched up and down Copenhagen Street with their little signs and a megaphone, causing the trolleys/carriages to shut down operations for the day. Djernaes was caught on tape asking the PETA people who their Solvang contact was. How dare a City Council member ask this group of protesters why they were protesting and who asked them to protest! Plus he’s apparently a friend of the person who allegedly called for them—Esko Esko owner Esko K.T. Lama—so it must be Djernaes’ fault they were even in town. That’s some proof positive investigative reasoning Solvang’s got going there. Wow. Of course, Djernaes’ detractors took the very public opportunity to really rail on him in the waning weeks of an election in which one of the Solvang Trolley owners is actually running for a seat on the council and his ass in on the line with the recall! So naturally, I wanted to hear from him. All he got to say was, “It’s not true.” The council didn’t allow him to respond. So now we’ll never get to hear his side to the story. And I always want to hear the other side to the story! The truth almost inevitably lies somewhere in the middle. Shame on you, Solvang. Again. And shame on Isla Vista. Again. The county’s really in a predicament over those Isla Vista college residents and their recklessness. Again. Only this time, it’s about COVID-19. Apparently, irresponsible students still want to party hardy—and they are indeed partying hard! A pair of outbreaks that started in sorority and fraternity houses has the county scrambling to figure out how to prevent students from behaving like students. And some UC Santa Barbara students and other Isla Vista residents are sick of those renegades! The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is giving them what they asked for: party fines. Under the guise of being an ordinance for all of the county’s unincorporated areas that targets large gatherings and non-compliant businesses—let’s be honest, it’s specifically for Isla Vista’s partiers. That was basically the extent of the public discussion over the ordinance. A tool to address pandemic party fouls: Too many people under one roof. “Why would we not crack down, in this year of all years, on parties?” 1st District Supervisor Das Williams asked. So it should specifically be a pandemic party ordinance, and not act like it’s something else. Of course, 4th District Supervisor Peter Adam didn’t want anything to do with it: “People that disagree with this … should watch this and remember this next time they have to go to the ballot box.” m

The canary is hardly partying. Send comments to [email protected].

Party hardlyO P I N I O N

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ARTSSANTA YNEZ VALLEY

THE ART OF FACE MASKS: VIRTUAL EXHIBIT This group show reunites several artists from the museum’s 2019 exhibit, The Art of Dress, including Georganne Alex, Carole Coduti, Gwen Samuels, and others. ongoing Free. artoffacemasks.com. Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang, 805-686-1211.

A MIGHTY OAK: PERMANENT EXHIBIT ONLINE Depicts the habitat around a Valley oak–one of the largest and old trees found in our area. View the artwork online. ongoing Free. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-1082, wildlingmuseum.org.

PORTRAITS OF SANTA BARBARA BIRDS An exhibit of Emil Morhardt’s acrylic paintings. Nov. 1-Dec. 1 Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7517, gallerylosolivos.com.

SB COUNTY AND BEYOND Photographic landscapes by George Rose. View online. ongoing Free. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-1082, wildlingmuseum.org.

SHERYL KNIGHT AND LINDA MUTTI: HEART AND SOUL A duo exhibit of pastel and oil landscapes. Through Nov. 1 Gallery Los Olivos, 2920 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, 805-688-7517, gallerylosolivos.com.

SOLVANG SCHOOL: INSPIRED BY NATURE View the exhibit online. Features photography by 29 Solvang School Yearbook and Media students. The students, grades 7 – 8, were inspired by philosopher Henry David Thoreau’s quote: “All good things are wild and free.” ongoing Free. Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511-B Mission Dr., Solvang, 805-688-1082, wildlingmuseum.org.

LOMPOC/ VANDENBERG

CLAUDETTE CARLTON: LVAA FEATURED ARTIST Claudette Carlton will be showcasing her watercolor works in this show, called “It’s a Watercolor World”. Saturdays, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Oct. 25 Free. 805-737-1129. lompocart.org. Lompoc Valley Art Association, 119 E. Cypress Avenue.

SANTA MARIA VALLEY/ LOS ALAMOS

INTERPLAY: READING SERIES PCPA will be presenting a different, ground-breaking play each weekend from Sept. 18 to Oct. 24. Through Oct. 24 $5. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, 800 S. College, Santa Maria, 805-922-8313, pcpa.org.

MUSIC LESSONS AT COELHO Call or go online for the

Academy’s current offerings. The Academy offers private lessons by the hour or half hour for all age groups and ability. ongoing 805-925-0464. coelhomusic.com. Coelho Academy of Music, 325 E. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria.

PCPA: ACTORS TALKBACK Streams live on PCPA’s Instagram every Thursday and spotlights a different thespian guest each week. Hosted by Erik Stein. Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. Free. pcpa.org. PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Santa Maria, 805-922-8313.

PCPA READS AT HOME A literacy project that uses our students’ learning to serve children and parents who are learning at home. Co-hosted by Allan Hancock College and the Santa Maria-Bonita School District to bring a love of stories and language to people right in their homes. ongoing PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Santa Maria, 805-922-8313, pcpa.org.

SMCT DRIVE-UP THEATRE: SPOOKTACULAR Enjoy music, dance, and comedy scenes from the comfort of your own car. Oct. 25, 1-4 p.m. $25. my805tix.com. Santa Maria Civic Theatre, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria.

TECH TALKS: LIVE ON INSTAGRAM Every Tuesday sit down with one of our technical staff and learn about the ins and outs of their craft. Get the exclusive with our host Erik Stein. Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. PCPA: Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Santa Maria, 805-922-8313, pcpa.org.

VALLEY ART GALLERY OF SANTA MARIA: FALL ART SHOW Parking is free. Admission is free. There is plenty of space to view art and stay six feet apart. Great for family outings and dates. Through Dec. 7 Free. 805-922-0663. Santa Maria Airport, 3249 Terminal Dr., Santa Maria.

WINE AND DESIGN VIRTUAL CLASSES Check Wine and Design’s Orcutt website for the complete list of virtual classes online, for various ages. Also offering kids camps for summer. ongoing Varies. wineanddesign.

com/orcutt. Wine and Design, 3420 Orcutt Road, suite 105, Orcutt.

WORKSHOPS VIA ZOOM Sara Curran Ice, PCPA’s Technical Theatre Program

Coordinator/Designer, is conducting Workshops via Zoom for local high school drama students. Check site or call for more info. ongoing PCPA: The Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Santa Maria, 805-922-8313, pcpa.org.

SOUTH COAST SLO COUNT Y

ART AT THE CLARK BENEFIT AUCTION (VIRTUAL) This is your chance to bid on over 60 works from Central Coast artists and help raise funds for the Clark Center. Oct. 22, Oct. 23 and Oct. 24 Free to register. 805-489-4196. clarkcenter.org/art-at-the-clark-virtual-artist-auction/. Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave., Arroyo Grande.

DANA’S ALL ABOUT TREES: A MULTIARTIST EXHIBITION DANA Adobe and Cultural Center showcasing the best in local and regional art. Artwork is available for purchase. Through Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5, free for DANA members and children under 12 years of age. 805-929-5679. danaadobe.org. DANA Adobe Cultural Center, 671 S. Oakglen Ave., Nipomo.

GROVER BEACH COMMUNITY LIBRARY BOOK SALE Grover Beach Community Library’s last book sale of the year. Includes a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and more. Oct. 24, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 805-481-4131. groverbeachlibrary.org. Grover Beach Community Library, 240 N 9th St., Grover Beach.

MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOP FOR AGES 5-6, AND FOR AGES 7-12, AND FOR ADULTS Each week we will combine two or more mediums in several pieces. We will work with watercolor, acrylic, ink, pastels, charcoal, as well as various printmaking techniques in the course of a month. Maximum of 5 guests. Pre-registration and masks required. Mondays, Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m. $25. 805-668-2125. lila.community. LilA Creative Community, 1147 East Grand Ave. suite 101, Arroyo Grande.

SAN LU IS OBISPO

CALL FOR ARTISTS: ART CENTRAL’S VIRTUAL GALLERY Central Coast artists to submit artwork to

Virtual Gallery Exhibit every Friday. Free to join, all you have to do is email image(s) of artwork created since COVID-19 with name, title, medium, and a positive message. Fridays, 5-11 p.m. through Dec. 18 Varies. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.wordpress.com/blog/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

CALL FOR ENTRIES: GROUNDED (EXHIBITION AT SLOMA) Artists of all media are eligible for this digital exhibition. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 29. Exhibit runs January 8 through Feb. 28, 2021, with a digital reception on Jan. 1, 2021, with awards and cash prizes. Assistant Curator Courtney Davis will make selections from submitted entries. Through Nov. 29 805-543-8562. sloma.org/call_for_artists/grounded/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo.

CLAY PUMPKIN MAKE AND TAKE CLASS AT HOME This Fall we are offering a Clay Pumpkin Home kit. You will be provided with supplies needed to build a ceramic pumpkin and we will glaze and fire for you. Through Nov. 2 $45. slomakerspace.com. SLO MakerSpace, 81 Higuera St., Ste. 160 and 180, San Luis Obispo, 242-1285.

I’LL TAKE YOU THERE: ART EXHIBIT Art Central will host well-known painter Rosanne Seitz with her latest watercolor works. Over 15 works created from her solo travels on out of the way roads to places showing the grandeur, and quiet beauty of California scenery, that revitalizes mind and body. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through Nov. 24 Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralartsupply.com/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

LABORATORY SERIES IV: ALLANA CLARKE Join us for our third event in our Laboratory Series, a conversation series with Black-identified artists in collaboration with R.A.C.E. Matters San Luis Obispo. Allana Clarke is an artist an assistant professor at Wayne State University, Detroit. Oct. 29, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. cccconfer.zoom.us. Zoom, Online, Inquire for Zoom ID.

LIVE THROUGH THIS: VIRTUAL EXHIBIT A collection of portraits by photographer Dese’Rae L. Stage featuring the true stories of suicide attempt survivors across the Untied States. Select portraits along with links to the survivors’ stories will be available to view digitally at SLOMA.org through Nov. 1. Through Nov. 1 sloma.org/exhibition/live-through-this/. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 543-8562.

MOSAICS FOR BEGINNERS Learn mosaic basics at home with a how-to video and kit of supplies. This class is great for beginners. Choice of snowman, wonky holiday tree, heart, or wine bottle. Register, purchase kit, then instructor will provide video link and kit pickup times. Mondays-Sundays. through Nov. 30. 805-286-5993. creativemetime.com. Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

BOOK SMARTThe Grover Beach Community Library hosts its last book sale of the year on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees can expect to browse through or make purchases from a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and more. Admission is free. Call (805) 481-4131 to find out more about the book sale. The library is located at 240 N. 9th St., Grover Beach.

—Caleb Wiseblood

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GROVER BEACH COMMUNITY LIBRARY

ARTS continued page 16

New Times and the Sun now share their community listings for a complete Central

Coast calendar running from SLO County through northern Santa Barbara County. Submit events online

by logging in with your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account at newtimesslo.com. You may also email [email protected]. Deadline is one week before the issue date on Thursdays. Submissions are subject to editing and approval. Contact Calendar Editor Caleb Wiseblood directly at [email protected].

INDEXArts ............................ [14]

Culture & Lifestyle .......[16]

Food & Drink ..............[17]

Music .........................[17]

OCT. 22 – OCT. 29

2020

15


Human trafficking is, unfortunately,happening in our communities. LEARN

the warning signs! Exploiters andtraffickers develop relationships with

their victims either online or in person.They groom the victim with gifts and

promises of love or acceptance and theyslowly isolate the victim from family and

friends until they have control over them.Warning signs might consist of

unexplained bruising, having multiplephones, being fearful or anxious, having

unexplained gifts or cash, tattoos orbranding on the face, neck, hands, or feet,

controlled movement, and having oldermale "friends" on social media.

Traffickers may promise that they canprovide shelter, financial support, loveand even a family. Instead, the victim is

isolated and sold for someone else'sbenefit. Trafficking is real!

If you see something, say something!

Human BeingsHuman Beingsare NOT aare NOT aCommodityCommodity

KNOW MORE | DO MORE |KNOW MORE | DO MORE | NO MORE! NO MORE!

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If you make a mistake on your ballot, cross out the wrong oval and fill in the correct oval, or call (805) 568-2200 for a replacement ballot.

Remember to sign your postage paid ballot return envelope. Your ballot will not be counted without your signature.

A free ballot tracking and alert system is available to voters who wish to track the status of their Vote by Mail ballots—from printed to accepted. Sign up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.

Return your ballot at any Ballot Drop Box, Polling Place, or mail it back—no stamp needed! Mailing it? Be sure it is postmarked by Election Day. If at all possible, please vote early. Early ballots are counted first!


Remember to sign your postage paid ballot return envelope. Your ballot will not be counted without your signature.

A free ballot tracking and alert system is available to voters who wish to track the status of their Vote by Mail ballots—from printed to accepted. Sign up at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov.

Return your ballot at any Ballot Drop Box, Polling Place, or mail it back—no stamp needed! Mailing it? Be sure it is postmarked by Election Day. If at all possible, please vote early. Early ballots are counted first!


Remember to SIGN your postage paid ballot return envelope. Your ballot will not be counted without your signature.

Joseph E. Holland 805-568-2200Santa Barbara County sbcvote.comRegistrar of Voters

Vote Early—Avoid Long Lines!Vote by Mail: Simple. Safe. Secure. TUE.

NOV. 3

�

John DoeRetired School Administrator

Sally SmithEntrepreneur/Business Owner

What’s Your Take? We know you’ve got an opinion. Everybody’s got one!Enter your choice online at: SantaMariaSun.com

This week’s online poll10/22 – 10/29

How do you feel about the propositions on this year’s ballot? m It takes a lot of research to understand them.

m There are too many proposed efforts in each.

m I don’t vote on them; it’s a waste of time.

m I only vote on the props I care about.

16


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WELCOME

Autumn

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Contributions can be made on our websitesNewTimesSLO.com • SantaMariaSun.com

SEA GLASS WIRE WRAP JEWELRY Learn how to wire wrap sea glass to create beautiful earrings and a necklace with step-by-step video instruction. Register, select kit, and instructor will provide video link and kit options. Mondays-Sundays. through Nov. 29 Various. 805-286-5993. creativemetime.com. Cuesta College, Highway 1, San Luis Obispo.

PICKETS FOR PROGRAMS AT SLO BOTANICAL GARDEN Buy and paint a picket to be displayed on the SLO Botanical Children’s Garden fence from 2021 to 2023. Pickets, paint, and brushes supplied on site at SLO Botanical Garden. Your contribution to public art supports the garden and programs. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Tuesdays, 2-4:30 p.m. through Dec. 22 $150 per picket or $600 for 5. 805-541-1400. slobg.org/calendar-of-events/pickets. San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo.

SLOMA: WEEKLY ART PROJECTS Kids can enjoy new activities from home (posted online every Monday). Mondays sloma.org. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo, 543-8562.

VIRTUAL ART GALLERY Every Friday, we publish our Virtual Art Gallery to our blog and newsletter. Featuring artworks from customers and the community. Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 805-747-4200. artcentralslo.wordpress.com/category/gallery-exhibits/virtual-gallery/. Art Central, 1329 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo.

VIRTUAL OPEN STUDIOS ART TOUR Visit ARTS Obispo’s Facebook page to view works from several local artists and artisans. ongoing Free. facebook.com/artsobispo. Downtown SLO, Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo.

NORTH SLO COUNT Y.

DAVID SETTINO SCOTT: FEATURED ARTIST Offering personal appointments and tours of Scott’s studio in San Miguel. Through March 1, 2021 805-286-4430. Park Street Gallery, 1320 Park Street, Paso Robles, parkstreetgallery.com.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PLATE CLASS Create your own unique glass skull using pre-cut pieces of fusa

clearing the air...2 days ago · mara refinery maintenance superintendent jim anderson to the apcd...

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